Subsurface valve apparatus



M. B. CONRAD ETAL 3,036,810

SUBSURFACE VALVE APPARATUS May 29, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 12, 1957 Pill In I.

B. 601M940, Hem/r 1i. ISA/5E, Je.

INVENTORS Men/v 14 TTOENEYS.

29, 1962 M, B. CONRAD ETAL 3,036,810

SUBSURFACE VALVE APPARATUS F'iled Aug. 12, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 VI I 62 Ala/977M B, @A/QQQ Ike-QM H fls/macle.

1 NVEN TOR.

United States Pater fiflce 3,036,810 Patented May 29, 1962 3,036,810 SUBSURFACE VALVE APPARATUS Martin B. Conrad; Downey, Calif., and Hiram H; Fisher, Jan, Houston, Tex., assignorsto Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California FiledAug. 12, 1957, Ser. No. 677,607 13 Claims.. (Cl. 251-95) The present invention relates to valve apparatus and more particularly to valve apparatus adapted for use in a tubular string disposed in a well bore.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved subsurface valve apparatus particularly useful in connec tion with a well packer for testing formations and well casing cementing jobs, and through which cementitious material can be pumped in the event the test shows the cementing job to be wet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a subsurface apparatus adapted for use in a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore, the valve apparatus being opened and closed in responseto rotation of the tubular string in the same direction, in which the valve apparatus is positively located in its opened and closed conditions. In a more limited sense, the valve apparatus is opened and closed as a result of right'hand rotation of the tubular string to avoid the possibility of inadvertent unthreading or loosening of any joint in the tubular string.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve apparatus connectible to a tubular string to be disposed in a well bore, in which the valve apparatus isoperable by rotation of the tubular string, and in which inadvertent rotation of the tubular string during its longitudinal movement in the well bore is incapable depending the valve apparatus.

An additional object of the'invention is to provide a valve apparatus connectible to a tubular string for use with a well packer in testing formation, in which the valve apparatus is maintained in its closed position, both while being lowered, andraised in the well bore, so that the tubular string can be run in a complete or partially empty condition in the well bore and a formation sample in the tubular string can be retained therein, the valve apparatus being positively located in opened and closed conditions as a result of rotation of the tubular string in the same common direction.

This invention. possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in, the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general-principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in-a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 1a, together, constitute a longitudinal sec tion through an apparatus with the valve in the closed" condition, FIG. la constituting .a lowering continuation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the helical groove or track arrangement employed in shifting the valve between opened andclosed conditions;

FIG. 3 is aview similar to FIGS. 1 and la, illustrating the valve in its open position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectiontaken along the line 44 on FIG. 1a;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1a;

FIGS. .6, 7, Sand 9, are diagrammatic views illustrating the transfer of the follower member from one track to another track.

The apparatus A illustrated in the drawings is adapted to be connected to a tubular string B, such as drill pipe or tubing, extending to the top of a well bore, and also to a lower tool C which maybe a packer of the set-down type, such as a hook-wall packer, or the specific retrievable well packer illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 of the application of Martin B. Conrad, Serial No. 536,416, filed September 26, 1955 and now Patent #2,802,534, for 'Retrievable Double Holding Subsurface Well Tool. The particular well packer illustrated in the aforesaid patent application is capable of being anchored to a Well casing against movement in both longitudinal directions, in order that it may withstand fluid pressures from below the well packer, as well as fluid pressures in the annulus around the tubing string B above the well packer. This particular type of well packer in useful in connection with the valve apparatus A illustrated in performing a variety of operations in the well bore, including formation and other testing, and squeeze cementing of the well casing. Inasmuch as the particular well packer employed forms no part of the present invention, only the upper portion of the packer body is illustrated in FIG. la of the drawings.

The valve apparatus A disclosed in the drawings includes an outer housing 10 made in several sections to facilitate its assembly. The housing consists of an upper tubular head 11 having an upper threaded box 12 for threaded attachment to the lower end of a section of tubing or drill pipe forming a portion of the tubular string B extending to the top of the well bore. This head 11 is threadedly secured to an upper house Section 13, which is, in turn, threadedly secured onto an intermediate section 14 threadedly connected to a lower section 15 telescopically related to a coupling sleeve 16 extending below the lower end of the lower house section 15. This coupling sleeve 16 has a lower threaded pin 17 threadedly attached to an adapter 18, which is, in turn, threadedly attached to the upper pin end 19 of the body of the lower tool C which may be a well packer of the type above indicated.

Disposed within the housing 10 and the coupling sleeve 16 is an inner tubular member 20 movable longitudinally with respect to the housing for the purpose of eflecting operation of the valve apparatus between opened a and closed positions. This inner tubular member or structure 20 includes an upper section 21 threadedly secured to an intermediately section 22, which is, in turn, threadedly attached to a helical groove or track section 23 depending therefrom. This helical track section is threadedly attached to the upper portion of a lower section 24'slidable within an inwardly directed flange 25 of the coupling sleeve 16. The intermediate section 22 is also slidable along an inwardly directed flange 26 formed on the upper portion of the intermediate housing section 14. Fluid is prevented from leaking between the lower flange 25 and lower tubular section 24 by a seal ring 27, such as a rubber O ring disposed in a groove 28 in the flange and adapted to slidably seal against the periphery of the lower section 24. Leakage of fluid between the intermediate tubular section 22 and the upper flange 26 is prevented by a seal ring 29, such as a rubber or rubber-like 0 ring, mounted in the flange groove 30 and adapted to slidably seal against theperiphery of the intermediate section.

The adapter 18, coupling sleeve 24; inner tubular member 20 and upper housing head 11 have a central passage 31 with a common axis. This passage preferably has a minimum diameter that is no lessthan the diameter of the passage through the tubular string B, in order that the valve apparatus A, when inopen condition, will have a straight through, unobstructed passage for the flow of fluids.

The ability of fluids to pass through the valve apparatus is dependent upon the opened and closed condition of a flapper valve head 32 with respect to a companion valve seat 33 provided by the upper end of the upper tubular section 21. The flapper valve head 32 itself is secured to an arm 34 pivotally mounted on a hinge pin 35 mounted on an arm 36 extending upwardly from the upper tubular section 21. The flapper valve head 32 can occupy a transverse position, illustrated in FIG. 1, in which its lower surface 37 bears against the valve seat 33. When this occurs, a gasket or seal ring 38 may engage the valve seat to prevent leakage between the head 32 and the latter, the gasket or seal ring being mounted in a circular groove 39 in the face of the valve head.

The valve head 32 may be shifted and held in a fully opened condition relative to the seat 33, but displaced completely to one side of the passage 31 through the valve apparatus, by a valve actuating sleeve 40, as a result of relative longitudinal movement occurring between the inner tubular member and the valve actuating sleeve. The valve actuating sleeve 40 itself is coupled to the housing 11 in any suitable manner. As specifically disclosed, a two piece coupling ring 41 has upper and lower flanges 42, 43 received within upper and lower grooves 44, 45 in the upper housing head 11 and in the coupling sleeve, in order to cause the valve actuating sleeve 40 to move longitudinally with the head 11. The valve actuating sleeve 40 is also caused to move rotationally with the head 11 by virtue of longitudinally extending coupling pins 46 projecting into opposed holes 47 in the lower portion of the head and the upper portion of the sleeve. By virtue of the coupling pins 46, the rotary effort of the head 11 is transmitted to the valve actuating sleeve 40.

The valve actuating sleeve 40 also has a central passage 31a therethrough that provides a continuation of the central passages 31 through the upper head 11 and the inner tubularmember 20. This passage 31a is of an enlarged diameter 31b below its upper portion 310 to provide a transverse holding surface 48 adapted to engage the rear face 49 of the valve head. The enlarged diameter portion 31b of the valve actuating sleeve is of suflicient size to permit the upper tubular section 21 to move in a relative upward direction within the valve actuating sleeve, as when the flapper valve head 32 is to engage its companion valve seat 33. Despite the relative longitudinal movement that can occur between the valve actuating sleeve 40 and the inner tubular member 21, these parts are coupled together so that rotary movement of the valve actuating sleeve is transmitted to the inner tubular member. To accomplish this purpose, the valve actuating sleeve 40 is provided with a longitudinally extending keyway 50 for reception of a companion key 51 integral with and projecting outwardly from the upper section 21 of the inner tubular member 20. This key 51 may be provided on the upper section 21 diametrically opposite the arm 36 to which the flapper valve head 32 is pivotally secured.

As the inner tubular member 20 is moved relative downward within the housing 10, the valve actuating sleeve 40 is caused to engage the flapper valve head 32 and swing it about its hinge pin axis laterally to one side or to an open condition. The valve actuating sleeve 40 is cut away to a substantial extent on the side opposite its keyway 50 to permit the flapper valve head 32 to shift transversely with respect to the actuating sleeve to positions engaged with the valve seat 33 and completely disengaged therefrom. On opposite sides of the cutaway portion, the actuating sleeve has cam faces 52 which are inclined in a downward and outward direction and adapted to engage the peripheral or outer portion of the seating face 37 of the flapper valve head 32. These inclined cam portions 52 terminate at longtudinally extending holding surfaces 53 on the valve actuating sleeve which are adapted to hold the valve head 32 in a longitudinal position, completely out of the path of the fluid passing through the passage 30 extending through the valve apparatus.

It is apparent that when the inner tubular member 20 moves downwardly, it will carry the hinge pin 35, arm 36 and the flapper valve head 32 downwardly with it, until the flapper valve head engages the cam surfaces 52. Such cam surfaces will then swing the flapper valve head 32 in a relative upward direction about the axis of the hinge pin 35 and laterally to one side of the housing 10. As relative downward movement of the inner tubular member 20 with respect to the housing 10 proceeds, the sealing face 37 of the flapper valve head will engage the longitudinally extending holding faces 53, which will secure the flapper valve head 32 completely to one side of the passage 30 through the valve apparatus.

Conversely, upward movement of the inner tubular member 20 will result in upward movement of the valve head 32 with it, the inclined surface 54 on the valve arm 34 engaging a portion 55 of the sleeve 40, which will then shift it transversely of the axis of the apparatus and back towards a closed position in engagement with the seat 33. The upward movement of the inner tubular member 20 is limited by engagement of the valve seat 33 with the valve head 32 and engagement of the rear face 49 of the valve head with the holding shoulder or surface 48 on the valve sleeve 40. It is evident that the flapper valve head 32 is actually clamped between the inner tubular member 20 and the transverse shoulder 48 on the valve actuating sleeve.

The specific construction of the flapper valve head 32, its companion valve seat 33, and the valve actuating sleeve 40 forms no part of the present invention and is illustrated and described in the application of Martin B. Conrad, Serial No. 494,498, filed March 15, 1955, and now Patent No. 2,912,216, for Well Bore Tubing Tester.

The relative longitudinal movement between the inner tubular member 20 and the flapper valve head 32 pivoted thereto on the one hand, and the outer valve housing 10 and the valve actuating sleeve 40 connected thereto, is produced in response to rotation of the tubular string B, which rotary motion is transmitted into longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member 20 through a cam device 60 in the general form of a screw and nut. The screw and nut device is capable of moving the inner tubular member 20 downwardly in the housing 10 and valve actuating sleeve 40 in response to rotation of the tubular string B and housing 10 in a particular direction, as to the right. It will also effect upward longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member 20 in response to a continuation of the rotation of the tubular string B and the housing B in the same direction, as to the right.

As specifically disclosed, the inner tubular member 20 includes the helical groove or track section 23, which has a helical right hand groove 61 provided in its outer surface, as well as a helical left hand groove 62 provided in its outer surface. Disposed in the right hand groove 61 is a centering rib 63. A similar centering rib 64 is also provided in the left hand groove 62. The right and left hand grooves 61, 62 are made of the same width, depth and pitch, and will intersect one another, which is also true of the right and left hand centering ribs 63, 64. The centering ribs intersect at the same central points 65 as the grooves, leaving substantially diamond shaped centering ribs portions 66 which are common to both the left and right hand centering ribs 63, 64.

The upper end of the right hand groove 61 terminates in a stop shoulder 67 formed in the track section 23 and also in an upper terminal ring 68 which actually provides a portion of the upper end of the tracks. This ring 68 is suitably secured to the track section 23, as by welding or brazing it thereto. The left hand groove 62 also terminates at its upper portion in a stop shoulder 69 formed on the track section or ring 68. Where the; upper portion of the right hand groove 61 intersects the upper portion;

of the left hand groove 62, a shiftable deflector member 70 is provided. As specifically disclosed, it takes the form of a leaf spring, which is welded or otherwise secured to the upper portion of track section 23 or to the ring '68 and extends across the upper portion of the right hand groove or track 61. The upper surface of the leaf spring 7h actually forms a continuation of the lowerside of the left hand groove '62.

The leaf spring 70 is adapted to be deflected in an upward direction to substantially-the position disclosed in dotted lines in FIG. 2 to permit the passag of a follower member 71, to be described hereinbelow, from the right hand groove 61 to a position in engagement with the right hand stop shoulder 67. When such follower member 71 has displaced the leaf spring 71 and moves 'therebeyond, the spring will inherently spring back to its position across the right hand track 61, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to prevent reentry of the follower into the right hand helical groove 61.

In a similar manner, the lower end of the left hand groove 62 terminates in a stop shoulder 72 formed on the track section '23, as well as on a ring 73 brazed or otherwise suitably secured thereto, this ring forming the lower side of the right and left hand grooves 61, 62. A lower stop shoulder 74 is also provided at the lower end of the right hand groove 61. A shiftable track or switch member 75 in the form of a leaf springis also welded or otherwise suitably secured to the lower ring 73 or lower lower 71 to the dottedline position illustrated in FIG. 2,

to permit the follower member 71 to pass out of the left hand groove 62 and come into contact with the shoulder '72. When the follower member moves past the spring a switch 75, the latter can inherently switch back to its full line position disclosed in FIG. 2.

It is to be noted that the upper and lower points of intersection 76, 77 of the right and left hand grooves 61, 62are devoid of any common diamond shape centering rib portions, so that the follower member 71 can be caused to transfer from one of the grooves 61 or 62 to the other groove 62 or 61, in a manner described hereinbelow.

The follower merrrber 71 is mounted in a ring 78 surrounding the track section 23 and normally disposed in an upward position against a housing shoulder 79 formed by the lower end of the intermediate housing section 14. This follower member 71 includes an outer head 81) which is rotatably received within a radial socket 81 extending through'the ring 78. The'follower member also includes an inner portion -82 having an inner surface 83 curved to conform to the base of the helical grooves 61, 62 and sides 84 which are companion to the sides 85 of the left hand groove and the right hand groove. The inner portion 82 is provided with a central groove 86 companion to the centering ribs '63; 64. Thus, these ribs are adapted to fit in the groove 86 and assist in holding the follower 71 in appropriate operating position within both the right and left hand grooves 61, 62. The inner portion 82 of the follower member 71 has a length which is less than the distance between the end of each spring switch 7%, '75 and the opposite stop shoulder 67, 72, so that the follower member can move past each spring 70 o r '75 when it reaches the upper or lower end of the right or left hand helical thread, allowing the spring switch to shift back to the full line position illustrated in FIG. 2' across the particular helical groove. The ends 87 of the follower are straight across, beingsubstantially at right angles to its dies 84.

The follower ring 78 and the follower 71- contained therein'are urged in an upward direction-against the housing shoulder 79 by a helical compression spring 88, 'the lower end'of which bears against the coupling sleev flange 25, and the upper end of which bears against the follower ring 78. This spring 88 not only yieldably urges the follower ring 78 against the shoulder 79, but it also urges the follower 71 against the upper sides of the helical grooves, imposing a load on the follower which will insure its shifting from one of the tracks or grooves 61 or 62 to the other track or groove 62 or 61, in the manner described hereinbelow. When the inner tubular member 29 is in its upper position within the housing 10, the spring 88 acts through the follower ring 78 and follower 71 and tends to urge and hold the inner tubular member '29 in the upper position, wherein the valve is closed.

The spring 88 has the further function of maintaining a clutch 9t? engaged, the clutch being provided between the coupling sleeve 16 and the lower section 15 of the housing 10. As specifically disclosed, the coupling sleeve 16 has a plurality of axial clutch teeth 91 formed in its portion adjacent to flange 25, which are adapted to be engaged by companion clutch teeth 92 in the form of pins secured to the housing section 15. The clutch 913 is disengaged upon downward shifting of the housing 10 relative to the coupling sleeve 16, which will disengage the clutch pins 92 from the teeth 91, such downward shifting of the housing being limited by engagement of its lower end with a'bearing93 surrounding the coupling sleeve 16 and held between a downwardly facing shoulder 94 on the latter and the upper end of the adapter 18. This bearing 93 may take any suitable form, being illustrated in the drawing as a ball bearing, in which the lower end of the housing 10 will engage the upper rac 95, the axial load of the lower housing being transmitted through the balls 96 to the lower race 97, which rests on the adapter. The bearing 93 is provided to insure that the housing 10 can be rotated despite the fact that it may be imposing a substantial downwardly directed force upon the lower adapter 18 and the lower packer C.

In order to produce longitudinal feeding of the inner tubular member 20 within the housing 10, for the purpose of shifting the flapper valve head 32 between its closed and open positions, the inner tubular member 2" is rotated, the follower ring 7 8 and follower 71 being prevented rom rotating. This latter action is secured in the present case by rotationally attaching the follower ring 78 to the coupling sleeve 16, thus, the coupling sleeve 16 has an upwardly directed extension 93 disposed within the lower housing section 15 and encompassing the spring 88. The upper end 99 of the sleeve 98 terminates a substantial distance below the follower ring 78, to permit downward movement of the housing 10 relative to the coupling sleeve 16 to disengage the clutch 9ft. Projecting upwardly from the extension sleeve 98 is a plurality, such as a pair, of longitudinal tongues 100 received within companion longitudinal grooves 161 formed in the exterior of the fOl-e lower ring 7 8. The follower ring 78 is slidable downwardly along the tongues 100, but will always be engaged there with to couple the follower ring 78 to the extension 93 of the coupling sleeve 16 at all times.

Surrounding the upper and intermediate sections 21, 22 of the inner tubular member 20, is another helical spring 102, the lower end of which bears upon the upper end of the intermediate housing section 14, and the upper end of which may be disposed initially a small distance below a spring seat 164 provided by the arm 36 and key 51 of the upper section 21. This spring 192 performs no function when the valve is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, but is compressed when the valve is in the open position illustrated in FIG. 3, in order to provide an upwardly directed force on the inner tubular member 29, and thus impose a longitudinal load on the follower 71 which will facilitate its shifting from the right hand track 61 to the left hand track 62. The lower spring 88 will preload the follower 71 when it is in its lowermost position, tending to urge it in an upward direction so as to insure its shifting from the left hand track 62 into the right hand track or groove '61, in the manner to be described.

-In the operation of the apparatus as disclosed, the valve is placed in the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and la, wherein the inner tubular member 20 is in its upper position within the housing 10, the follower 71 being disposed at the lower portion of both tracks 61, 62. The lower spring 88 tends to maintain the valve in the closed position through exerting an upper force through the follower ring 78 and follower 71 on the inner tubular member 20, to hold its valve seat 33 against the lower face 37 of the flapper valve head 32, with the rear face 49 of the latter bearing against the stop shoulder 48. The spring 88 also holds the clutch 90 in engaged position, which will prevent inadvertent relative rotation between the housing 10 and the coupling sleeve 16. Since the coupling sleeve 16 is rotationally secured to the follower ring 78, inadvertent rotation between the follower ring 78 and the housing 10 is prevented. It is also to be noted that the housing 10 is secured rotationally to the valve actuating sleeve 40, and that the latter has a key or slidably splined connection 50, 51 with the inner tubular member 20. Accordingly, the inner tubular member cannot rotate relative to the housing 10, and, therefore, the follower ring 78 and follower 71 are prevented from rotating relative to the housing 10. The parts are rotationally locked in the condition illustrated in FIGS. 1 and la, which will prevent relative rotation, and thereby preclude the longitudinal shifting of the inner tubular member 20 within the housing 10.

The lower end 18 of the valve apparatus A is connected to the body of the lower tool C and such combination of apparatus is lowered by means of the tubular string B, attached to the upper head 11, in the well casing or well bore to the desired point at which the apparatus is to be used. During such lowering motion the valve is maintained in its closed position by the spring 88. Any pressure within the apparatus can have no effect in tending to shift the inner tubular member 20 in a downward direction within the housing 10, so as to open the flapper valve head 32, since the lower annular area X on the inner tubular member 20 is no less than, and is preferably slightly greater than, the annular area Y between the inner surface of the inner tubular member 20 and the effective sealing circumference of the seal ring 38 against the valve seat 33. By making the area X slightly greater than the area Y, a small area differential is provided over which pressure can act tending to urge and hold the inner tubular member 20 in its upward position, to clamp the valve head 32 between its seat 33 and the transverse shoulder 48 on the valve actuating sleeve 40. Such area differential, however, is purposely made relatively small so that the valve can be shifted to an open condition, as a result of downward shifting of the inner tubular member 20, without the necessity of overcoming any great hydraulic force. The making of the area X slightly greater than the area Y, however, does cause the pressure within the apparatus to supplement the force of the spring 88 in holding the valve in its closed condition.

As stated above, during lowering of the apparatus in the well bore, the valve A will be retained in its closed position, and cannot be shifted inadvertently to an open position because of the engagement of the clutch 90. When the location in the well bore is reached at which the packer C is to be set, the tubular string B is suitably manipulated to accomplish the setting of the lower tool or packer. For example, if it is first necessary to effect the turning of the packer body C, such turning action can occur very readily by turning the tubular string B, which .rotary motion is transmitted through the housing 10 and through the clutch 9%} to the coupling sleeve 16 and then through the adapter 18 to the packer body C. Despite such turning effort, the valve A will remain in its closed condition, since the parts cannot move relatively until the clutch is disengaged.

After the turning action in the proper direction has occurred, the lower tool C is set by imposing a downward force and movement thereon. The tubular string B is shifted downwardly a relatively small distance, this downward motion being transmitted through the housing 10. Because of the characteristics and structure of the lower packer C, it will not move downwardly, and since the packer body is connected to the lower adapter 18 and the coupling sleeve 16, the latter is prevented from moving downwardly. Accordingly, the housing 10 will be shifted downwardly as. a result the downward movement of the tubular string B, to disengage the clutch pins 92 from the clutch teeth 91 and cause the lower end of the housing'to come into engagement with the bearing 93. A sufficient down weight can now be imposed on the lower packer C to effect its setting in packed-off condition against the wall of the well casing or against the wall of an open well bore, the downward force being transmitted from the tubular string B through the housing 10 to the bearing 93, and from the bearing to the adapter 18 and the packer body C.

After the lower packer C has been set, it is desired to open the valve A. The follower is in the lower position along the track section 23, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. As a result, it is merely necessary to rotate the tubular string B, this rotary motion being transmitted through the upper head 11 and the coupling pins 46 to the valve actuating sleeve 40 and from the valve actuating sleeve through the key 51 to the inner tubular member 20. The fact that the lower tool C is set against the well casing or well bore will prevent rotation of the coupling sleeve 16 and the follower ring 78 and follower 7'1 rotationally connected thereto. Accordingly, with down weight opposed on the tubular string B, to hold the clutch 90 disengaged, the tubular string B is rotated to the right which will cause the inner tubular member 20 to rotate in that same direction. The follower member 71 is urged by the spring 88 upwardly against the lower track switch 75, will turn the follower 71 in the ring 78 to the appropriate position, whereby it is properly aligned with the lower portion of the right hand groove 61 and its centering rib 63. As the inner tubular member 20 is rotated, the right hand groove 61 will move along the follower, and in view of the helical groove arrangement, the inner tubular member 20 will be caused to shift downwardly within the housing 19 and relative to the valve actuating sleeve 40. As the outer or marginal portions of the valve head 32 engages the cam surfaces 52, the valve head 32 is pivoted in an outward direction toward its open position. As the tubular member 20 continues to feed downwardly as a result of its rotation, the flapper valve head 32 will move down along the longitudinal holding faces 53 on the actuating sleeve to the position illustrated in FIG. 3. The downward movement of the valve head 32 will continue as its rotation continues until the upper leaf spring 7 0, which closes the upper portion of the right hand groove 61, engages the follower 71, the follower deflecting the spring in an upward direction out of its path, and then moving therebeyond to the extent limited by engagement of the right stop shoulder 67 with the end 87 of the inner portion 82 of the follower. When this occurs, the switch 70 will spring back to its initial position as disclosed in FIG. 2. When the right stop shoulder 67 engages the follower, no further relative rotation between the parts can occur. The operator is advised of this fact by a, suitable indication at the top of the well bore, as by an increase in torque.

The valve is now in its fully opened condition (FIG. 3) and will remain in that condition until it is desired to shift it to a closed condition. During downward movement of the inner tubular member 20' within the housing 10, its key 51 and arm 36 have engaged the upper spring "9 102 and effected its compression, so that the latter is tending to urge the inner tubular member'Zll in an upward direction. Such upward urging force is transmitted to the follower 711.

If the apparatus is being used for testing a formation, or for determining whether or not a cementing operation has been successful in shutting off certain undesired fluids in the well bore, such as water, the opening of the valve A will permit fluid to enter the apparatus, passing upwardly through the packer body C and through the fully open passage 30 in the valve apparatus into the tubular string B. If the previous cementing operation has been a failure, the valve A may be left in its open condition and a required amount of cement slurry pumped down the tubularstring B, Ithis cement passing through the open valve and through the well packer C, to be forced under pressure around or through the well easing into the formation, in order to squeeze cement the latter. If the well packer is of the type illustrated in the above identified patent application, Serial No. 536,415, it will anchor itself appropriately .to the Well casing against upward movement therewithin.

After the squeeze cementing operation has been percformed, the valve A is to be shifted to a closed position and such closing action will occur as a result of rotation of the tubular string B, and the parts connected thereto, in the same direction as before, or to the right. At first however, it is necessary to move the tubular string B, housing 10, valve actuating sleeve 40 and inner tubular member 20 connected thereto to the left for a slight distance, in order to bring the upper leaf spring 70 against the inner portion 32 of the follower member 71. When such engagement occurs, the follower member 71 will be turned arcuately within the follower ring 78, until its side face 34 engages the leaf spring 70. Left hand movement of the inner tubular member 20 with respect to the follower 71 can only occur to the extent limited by engagement of the end 87 of the follower with the left stop shoulder 69. When this occurs, the follower is appropriately aligned with the left hand groove 62 and its centering rib 64.

The maintenance of down weight on the tubular string B and housing 10 to disengage the clutch 9i and the right hand rotation of the tubular string and the parts connected thereto, including the inner tubular member, will cause the follower member 71 to move relatively into the left groove 62 with'the left centering rib 64 shifting into the companion groove 86 in the inner portion 82 of the follower. Since the rotation of the inner tubular member 20 occurs relative to the'follower, it will result in upward shifting of the inner tubular member to the extent limited by engagement of thevalve seat 33 with the valve sealing face 37 of'the flapper valve head 32 and the clamping of the latter against the transverse shoulder 48 of the valve actuating sleeve 40. When this action occurs, the follower member 71 is in the lower portion of the right and left hand helical grooves 61, 62, having shifted the lower spring switch 75 to one side and come into engagement withthe lower right hand stop member'72 formed on the tracksection 23 and the ring 73 brazed thereto. Engagement of the follower 71 with the stop shoulder 72 will precludefurther relative rotation between the parts and upward feeding of the inner tubular member 29.

After sufficient time has elapsed for the cement, squeezed into the formation, to set and harden, it can be tested again, as by removing the fluid in the tubular string B and by again shifting'thevalve A- to an open condition. The 'valve is shifted to the open condition by again turning the tubular string B to-the left, which will effect turning of the inner tubular member 20 to the left until the lower spring switch75 engages the follower appropriately, with-the lowerl'eft stopshoulder 74 engagingthe follower. r Such engaging actionwill' result in the turning-of the-fo1lower71-in its ring Rte align it appropriately with the right hand groove 61 and the right hand centering rib'63, whereupon the tubular string B can be turned to the right once again While down weight is imposed thereon to insure that the clutch 91 is disengaged. Such right hand rotation will cause the right hand groove 61 and centering rib 63 to slide along the stationary follower 71, to effect a downward feeding of the inner tubular member '20 within the housing 10 and along the actuating sleeve 40, the cam faces 52 shifting the flapper valve head 32 back to its open condition and the holding faces 53 then engaging the flappervalve head to secure it in its fully open condition. When the valve is in its fully open condition, the inner tubular member has shifted downwardly to its full extent, the follower 71 having once again displaced the upper spring switch 79 to one side and come into engagement with the upper right hand stop shoulder 67, the upper spring'switch 70 then springing back to its initial position.

If the cementing job then tests dry, the operation has been successfully completed and the apparatus can be withdrawn from the well bore by appropriately releasing the lower packer C and elevating the equipment. Upward movement of the housing 10 will'cause the clutch to reengage, which will preclude inadvertent shifting of the valve parts. If desired, the valve can be held in the open position illustrated in FIG. 3.

The valve apparatus A can be used for formation testing. As described above, the valve is'initially in the closed condition disclosedin FIGS. 1 and 1a. After the packer C has been appropriately set and the valve shifted to an open position as shown in FIG. 3, any fluid that has passed upwardly through the apparatus and entered the tubular string B can be trapped therein by reclosing the valve A in the manner described above. Following such reclosing of the valve, it can be retained in such closed position, its inadvertent opening as the apparatus is being elevated in the well bore to the top of the hole being precluded by virtue of the reengagement of the clutch pins 92 on the housing 10 with the clutch teeth '91 'on the coupling sleeve 16. Of course, even in the absence of clutch reengagement, the lower spring 88 will tend to maintain the valve in the closed condition, but reengagement of the clutch 90 will prevent any inadvertent or purposeful rotation of the tubular string B from possibly effecting a shifting of the inner tubular member 21 longitudinally in the housing 10, so as to open the valve.

It is, accordingly, apparent that a valve apparatus has been provided which is shifted between an opened and closed position as a result of rotation of the tubular string in the same single direction. The valve can be it can be used as a formation testing tool and if used to test'the eflicacy of a cementing job, or the like, which tests wet, the tool can be suitably manipulated to permit cement slurry, or the like, to be pumped through it for the performance of a squeeze cementing operation. After the cementing operation has been performed, the tool can be manipulated to perform'another test. The cementing operation and testing can be repeated as often as desired, all without removing the apparatus'from the well bore, or from its set location therein. As indicated above, the apparatus can also be used to trap a formation sample and enable its recovery.

The'inventors claim:

1. ln'valve apparatus: tubular means having a connection for securing said tubular means to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a Well'bore, said tubular means having a straight through passage; -sa'id'tubular *rneans having coengageable valve members'for controlling flow of fluid in said tubular means, one of said valve members being movable laterally across said passage into engagement with said other valve member to close said passage and movable laterally from engagement with said other valve member to open said passage; a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a second device including a follower slidable within said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; switch means at said end portions for moving said follower from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower into said one groove; means mounting said follower for movement about an axis transverse to the axis of said first device from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; said switch means being engageable with said follower to turn said follower from a position aligned with one groove to a position aligned with said other groove; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve members; and means for relatively rotating said devices in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, whereby one of said valve members is shifted relative to the other of said valve members first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

2. In valve apparatus: tubular means having a connection for securing said tubular means to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; said tubular means having coengageable valve members for controlling flow of fluid in said tubular means; a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a follower device mounted to move in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve members; means for relatively rotating said devices in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, whereby one of said valve members is shifted relative to the other of said valve members first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said first device engageable with said follower device to stop relative rotation between said devices when said follower device arrives at said upper and lower end portions, said stop means being so located at said end portions as to engage said follower device, after said follower device has moved from one groove, and so position said follower device as to be alignable for movement into the other groove.

3. In valve apparatus: tubular means having a connection for securing said tubular means to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; said tubular means having coengageable valve members for controlling flow of fluid in said tubular means; a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a follower device adapted to move in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of "said grooves to the other of said grooves; switch means adjacent to said end portions for moving said follower device from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower device into said one groove; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve members; means for relatively rotating said devices in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, whereby one of said valve members is shifted relative to 'the other of said valve members first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said first device engageable with said follower device to stop relative rotation between said devices when said follower device arrives at said upper and lower end portions.

4. In valve apparatus: tubular means having a connection for securing said tubular means to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; said tubular means having coengageable valve members for controlling flow of fluid in said tubular means; a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a second device including a follower slidable in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; means mounting said follower for movement from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; switch means adjacent to said end portions for moving said follower from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower into said one groove; said switch means being engageable with said follower to turn said follower from a position aligned with one groove to a position aligned with the other groove; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve members; means for relatively rotating said device in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, whereby one of said valve members is shifted relative to the other of said valve members first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said first device engageable with said follower to stop relative rotation between said devices when said follower arrives at said upper and lower end portions.

5. In valve apparatus: tubular means having a connection for securing said tubular means to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; said tubular means having coengageable valve members for controlling flow of fluid in said tubular means; a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a second device including a follower slidable in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; means mounting said follower for movement from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve members; means for relatively rotating said device in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, whereby one of said valve members is shifted relative to the other of said valve members first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said first device engageable with said follower to stop relative rotation between said devices when said follower arrives at said upper and lower end portions, said stop means being so located at said end portions as to engage said follower, after said follower has moved from one groove, and so position said follower as to be alignable for movement into the other groove.

6. In valve apparatus: an outer member having a connection for securing said member to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; an inner device within and connected to said outer member to rotate therewith; coengageable valve elements in said outer member for controlling flow of fluid therein; said inner device having external right and left hand intersecting helical grooves communicable with each other at the respective ends of said grooves; a follower device externally of said inner device adapted to move in said grooves relative to said inner device and to transfer from one of said grooves to the :other of said grooves .at said endsyoneofsaid devices being operativelyconnected to'one' of said: valve elements; means for preventing rotation of said follower device, whereby rotation of said outer member and inner device feeds said inner :device longitudinally: first in one direction and thenin the opposite direction to shift said valve elements with respect to each other. 7

7. In valve-apparatus: an outer member havinga connectibnfor-securing said-member to a tubular string adapted to be disposed-ina wellbore; an inner device Within and connected "to said outer member 'to rotate therewith; coengageablevalveelements in said outer member-for controlling flow of'fluid'therein; said inner device having external right and left hand intersecting helical grooves communicable-with each other at the respective ends of said grooves; a followerdeviceexternally of said inner device adapted to-movein saidgrooves relative to said inner-device andto transfer from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves at said ends; one of said devices being operatively connected to one of said valve elements; means for .preventinglrotation of saidfbllower device, whereby rotation of said outer member and inner device feeds said inner device longitudinally first in one direction and then in the opposite direction to shift said valve elements with respect to each other; and releasable clutching means operatively connected to said outer member and said means for preventing rotation of said follower device for preventing relative rotation between said devices, said clutching means being releasable in response to relative axial movement between said outer member and said means for preventing rotation of said follower device.

8. In a mechanical movement: an inner device having external right and left hand intersecting helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a second device externally of the said inner device and including a follower slidable in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; means mounting said follower for movement about an axis transverse to the axis of said inner device from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; switch means on said inner device at said end portions, for moving said follower from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower into said one groove; said switch means being engageable with said follower to turn said follower from a position aligned with one groove to a position aligned with the other groove; means operatively connected to one of said devices; means for preventing rotation of one of said devices; means for rotating the other of said devices in the same direction to produce relative longitudinal movement between said devices first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said inner device engageable with said follower to stop relative rotation between said devices when said follower arrives at said upper and lower end portions.

9. In a mechanical movement: a first device providing intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their end portions; a follower device adapted to move in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; switch means at said end portions for moving said follower devices from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower device into said one groove; means for relatively rotating said devices in the same direction to produce their relative longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; and means on said first device engageable with said follower device to stop relative rotation between said devices when-said follower device arrives at'said end portions.

merge into one another at their end portions; a second device including a followertslidable in said rightandleft hand grooves. relativeto said first device and'to transfer at said end portions'from one of said grooves to the other of saidgrooves; means mounting said followerfor movement about on axis transverse .to-the axis of said .first device from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; switch means at said end portions for moving. said follower from one groove into its merging location with the other groove and preventing return movement 'of said follower into said one groove; said switch means being engageable withvsaid-follower to turn said follower from a. position aligned-with one groove to a position aligned with the other groove; and means for relatively rotating said devicesin the same direction to produce their relative' longitudinal movement first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

11. In a mechanical movement: an inner device having external right and left hand intersecting helical grooves which merge into one another at their end portions; a follower device externally of said inner device and including a follower slidable in said right and left hand grooves relative to said first device and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; means mounting said follower for movement about an axis transverse to the axis of said inner device from a position aligned with one of said grooves to a position aligned with the other of said grooves; switch means on said inner device at said end portions for moving said follower from one groove into its merging location with the other groove and preventing return movement of said follower into said one groove; said switch means being engageable with said follower to turn said follower from a position aligned with one groove to a position aligned with the other groove; means for preventing rotation to one of said devices; and means for rotating the other of said devices in the same direction to produce relative longitudinal movement between said devices first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

12. In valve apparatus: an outer housing having a connection for securing said housing to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a well bore; an inner tubular member in said housing having a valve seat; a valve head pivotally mounted on said inner tubular member and adapted to move into engagement with said seat; said inner tubular member having external intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a follower device externally of said inner tubular member adapted to move in said grooves relative to said inner tubular member and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; switch means at said end portions for moving said follower device from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower device into said one groove; means for preventing rotation of said follower device; means connecting said inner tubular member to said housing to rotate therewith without preventinglongitudinal movement of said inner tubular member with respect to said housing; and means connected to said housing and engageable with said valve member in response to longitudinal movement of said inner tubular member within said housing to shift said valve member from its companion valve seat.

13. In valve apparatus: an outer housing having a connection for securing said housing to a tubular string adapted to be disposed in a Well bore; an inner tubular member in said housing having a valve seat; a valve head pivotally mounted on said inner tubular member and 15 adapted to move into engagement with said seat; said inner tubular member having external intersecting right and left hand helical grooves which merge into one another at their upper and lower end portions; a follower device externally of said inner tubular member adapted to move in said grooves relative to said inner tubular member and to transfer at said end portions from one of said grooves to the other of said grooves; switch means at said end portions for moving said follower device from one groove into its merging location with said other groove and preventing return movement of said follower device into said one groove; means for preventing rotation of said follower device; means connecting said inner tubular member to said housing to rotate therewith without preventing longitudinal movement of said inner tubular member with respect to said housing; means connected to said housing and engageable with said valve member in response to longitudinal movement of said inner tubular member within said housing to shift said valve member from its companion valve seat; clutching means on said housing and said rotation preventing means for preventing rotation therebetween and releasable in 16 response to longitudinal movement of said housing relative to said preventing means; and spring means tending to hold said clutching means engaged and said valve member engaged with seat.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 267,793 Kieferle Nov. 21, 1882 699,367 Brewington May 6, 1902 1,645,273 Au Oct. 11, 1927 1,734,649 Shull Nov. 5, 1929 1,766,224 Montevaldo June 24, 1930 1,885,548 Rosenberg Nov. 1, 1932 2,014,314 Defenbaugh Sept. 10, 1935 2,076,839 Heggem Apr. 13, 1937 2,123,183 Ekstromer July 12, 1938 2,713,911 Bagnell July 26, 1955 2,853,265 Clark Sept. 23, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 503,054 France Mar. 8, 1920 

